PM Narendra Modi to scientists at ISRO: “There are ups and downs in life. This is by no means a small achievement. The nation swells with pride. This is indeed great service to the nation, science and mankind. I am with you.”

Bengaluru: Tense moments were witnessed at ISRO, Bengaluru, when the communication between Vikram Lander and the ground station was lost during the Fine Breaking Phase.

The historic moment for India has been further postponed as the scientists of ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) lost communication with the satellite.

Pragyan, a six-wheeled and 27-kg robotic vehicle, was placed to communicate the information and pictures with Vikram, which was expected beam it to the earth.

Vikram Lander completed Rough Breaking Phase at 1:49 am, which began from 1:38 am. During this time, the speed velocity of the satellite was reduced for the touchdown.

On Friday (September 6), Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew to Bengaluru to witness the historic move by India when Vikram Lander would make its soft landing. He was welcomed by Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa and state Governor Vajubhai Vala at the Bengaluru airport before he reached the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) at Peenya.

If Vikram's touchdown had a positive response, India would have become the fourth nation after the US, Russia and China to land a spacecraft on the moon and the first country to land on the south pole.

However, PM Modi was seen convincing the scientists and students, who were stationed to witness India’s historic moment.

“There is nothing to worry. This too was a huge achievement for India to send a satellite close to the lunar surface,” PM Modi said to the stressed scientists at the ground station.

PM Modi further added, “There are ups and downs in life. This is by no means a small achievement. The nation swells with pride. This is indeed great service to the nation, science and mankind. I am with you.”

Chandrayaan-2’s Vikam Lander was expected to make a soft landing on Saturday (September 7) at 1:58 am.